SEWARD, Neb. – Concordia University, Nebraska Softball opened its home slate splitting the twin bill against Morningside on Thursday (March 26) at Plum Creek Park. The Bulldogs dropped a tightly contested 4-2 decision in the final inning of game one before responding with a poised 3-1 victory in the nightcap. Kierstyn Linn completed one of her best outings to date against a tough Mustang squad.
Head Coach Brock Culler and the wild Dawgs move to 13-10 overall (2-2 GPAC) on the season.
“I thought our team still competed really hard,” Coach Culler said. “We had good at-bats. For the most part, we played really well defensively. It was just kind of a shame we let that first game go because Deni pitched good enough to win. In game two, Kierstynn Linn threw really well. Defensively, we played really well behind her and offensively, we found timely hits. Good day of softball to earn the win.”
In the circle, Kierstyn Linn turned in a composed complete-game performance (first career), limiting Morningside to just one run on four hits while working out of traffic with control. Linn, a freshman out of Norfolk, Neb., punched out three as she gave two free bases in 28 batters faced.
Game one unfolded as a tightly wound pitcher’s duel before unraveling in the final frame. Deadlocked at 2-2 entering the seventh, the Mustangs capitalized on timely contact and a defensive miscue, pushing across the go-ahead run on an RBI single before tacking on an additional unearned run to create late separation.
Aubriana Krieser delivered one of the loudest swings of the day with a towering solo home run in game one going 2-for-4 with three total hits in the doubleheader. Kaylei Denison battled through all seven innings, striking out five and keeping the Bulldogs within striking distance throughout the back-and-forth contest.
In game two, Concordia flipped the script with Linn at the helm. The Bulldogs applied early pressure with a run in the opening frame and maintained control before delivering a decisive blow in the sixth. With momentum building, Topp laced an RBI single to extend the advantage to 3-1, giving Linn breathing room as she shut down the Morningside in the final three chances to secure the split.
Tobi Topp sparked the lineup in game two with a sharp 3-for-4 performance, consistently barreling balls and drove in a key insurance run. Taryn Ganstrom set the tone at the top, reaching base three times and crossing the plate twice with aggressive baserunning.
Across the two contests, the Bulldogs showcased a balanced and persistent offensive attack through 17 hits paired with quality outings in the circle. Mary Beth Hart (3-for-8) pieced together a productive day at the plate with three hits across both games, while Keira Farritor (2-for-6) provided consistency, including a double and two walks. Behind the dish, Grace Maguire added depth with a confident two-hit showing (2-for-3) in the second contest.
Concordia (13-10, 2-2 GPAC) will host Dakota Wesleyan (20-11, 3-1 GPAC) on Saturday (March 28). The Bulldogs will enter the circle at 1 p.m. CT at Plum Creek Park.